The Patriots will continue a three-day minicamp today at Gillette Stadium. Here is a look at Wednesday's schedule: 11:40 - 11:55 a.m. -- head coach Bill Belichick availability to reporters 12:25 - 1:45 p.m. -- practice Approx. 2:00 p.m. -- player availability to reporters As always, ESPNBoston.com will have you covered with post-practice observations and soundbites from players. Practices during this week's minicamp are closed to the public.

The Patriots will conclude a three-day minicamp today at Gillette Stadium. Here is a look at Thursday's schedule: 11:40 - 11:55 a.m. -- head coach Bill Belichick availability to reporters 12:25 - 1:45 p.m. -- practice Approx. 2:00 p.m. -- player availability to reporters As always, ESPNBoston.com will have you covered with post-practice observations and soundbites from players. Practices during this week's minicamp are closed to the public.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Reporters had the opportunity to speak to Patriots assistant coaches on Wednesday. Here are some quick hits from the availability: Hightower an "excellent student." Linebackers coach Pepper Johnson had high marks for rookie Dont'a Hightower. "Excellent student. This is a big compliment for (Alabama coach) Nick Saban, but I know what type of teacher he is, because being under him myself, he groomed a young man very well. He's a guy that football means something to him.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick sent the team home early from minicamp with an extra day off and a message: This is not summer vacation.

Belichick canceled the last practice of the three-day workout on Thursday, a surprise for the defending AFC champions as they headed out to the field. But the coaching staff and the veterans have been reminding the younger players that they need to come back in shape when training camp starts in July.

"We all need the work, man," receiver Deion Branch, who is entering his 11th season. "When you think you're that good, shut it down, discontinue training. We're not that good. We're not where we want to be. We need to work."